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Weeknight • Soups

Hearty Sausage & Gnocchi Soup

This comforting soup features savory sausage, tender potatoes, and pillowy gnocchi in a rich, herby broth, perfect for a cozy evening.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
6
Level
Weeknight
Hearty Sausage & Gnocchi Soup

Warm up with a bowl of pure comfort! This Hearty Sausage & Gnocchi Soup is like a hug in a bowl, combining everything you love about a rich stew with the satisfying chew of gnocchi. It’s surprisingly quick to get on the table and will become a fast family favorite.

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • 1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease, then transfer sausage to a plate.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and thyme to the pot. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

  4. Step 4

    Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

  5. Step 5

    Stir in the heavy cream (if using). Add the gnocchi and cooked sausage back to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or according to gnocchi package directions, until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.

  6. Step 6

    Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  7. Step 7

    Ladle into bowls and serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and opt for vegetable broth, adding a can of cannellini beans for protein.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few of the gnocchi against the side of the pot (after they've cooked) to release starch.
  • A crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for dipping into this hearty soup.

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